Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is a partnership between the College of Mount Saint Vincent and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This program is designed for students who have the potential and drive to further their education but, due to limited academic and financial resources, would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college. The goal of HEOP is to retain and graduate promising students who will succeed at the college level and beyond.

Program RequirementsTo be eligible for HEOP you must meet all of the following conditions:

Be a resident of New York State for one year preceding your term of entry into HEOP

Possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or their equivalent

Apply for admission and be selected for consideration by the Admission and HEOP offices

Have the potential and motivation for the successful completion of college

Meet economic eligibility requirements

Complete the pre-freshman summer program

Economic Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, the applicant’s family income must fall within the ranges given in the following chart:

Number in Household (including head of household)

Total Annual Income in Previous Calendar Year

1

$21,775

2

$29,471

3

$37,167

4

$44,863

5

$52,559

6

$60,255

7

$67,951

8

$75,647

Exceptions may include:

The student’s family receives public assistance.

The student is living with foster parents who do not provide support for college, and no money is provided by the birth parents.

The student is a ward of the state or county.

The student’s household is supported by one member working two or more jobs at the same time.

Other exceptions may apply. Please contact the HEOP office directly with any questions regarding economic eligibility.

Summer Program
All College of Mount Saint Vincent HEOP students are required to attend a 4-week Pre-Freshman Summer College Program. The purpose of the program is to inform students about the services available through HEOP, help students strengthen academic skills, and promote a smooth transition from high school to college.

Support services available during the summer program and academic year include:

Remedial and Developmental CoursesIf you need additional academic assistance to prepare for college-level work, HEOP can meet your academic needs. Before you begin your classes, the HEOP staff will evaluate your academic strengths and weaknesses, and design a specific academic program to help eliminate your academic deficiencies. You will have the opportunity to take non-credit and credit remedial/developmental courses. These courses provide instruction in basic skills, reading, writing, vocabulary, mathematics, and other areas of study.

Counseling Services
Counseling services are provided by the HEOP staff on an individual or group basis to assist you with any problems that may interfere with your academic work. You will receive the following types of counseling:

Academic – The HEOP counselor will assist you in selecting your academic major and courses. You will have a reduced course load during your first semester. You are also given an extra year of eligibility to graduate.

Personal – Adjustment to college life often presents many new problems for HEOP students. Counseling helps you develop your self-confidence, identity, and a positive attitude about learning.

Career – Students are often undecided about what to do after graduation. The HEOP staff will assist you in making career choices. Career counseling will help you in selecting the necessary courses to prepare you for employment or postgraduate study.

Tutorial ProgramTutorial services are provided to all students enrolled in HEOP, who can also join group study sessions for free. Individual tutorial services are also available to all students through the College’s Academic Resource Center (ARC), at no cost.

Application Process

The application deadline is March 1 but students are encouraged to apply early.

All applicants must adhere to the following procedures before a final decision can be made:

Complete the general CMSV Application for Undergraduate Admission

Mark HEOP on the admission application where appropriate.

Submit an official high school transcript or a copy of GED scores.

Submit official SAT or ACT test scores.

Submit two letters of recommendation

Submit college application essay

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 and before March 1 to ensure timely notification.

Provide documentation of income for previous calendar year (signed copy of 1040 income tax form or proof of social services, Social Security, veterans, unemployment and/or disability benefits)*

*Upon Request
Only applicants who have submitted all the required documentation will be contacted for an interview.

Transfer Students
Transfer students must submit an official college transcript(s) and a transfer application, which verifies EOP, HEOP, SEEK or College Discovery participation at a previous institution.